The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) and the Coalition of National Civil Society Organisations (CNCSOs) have commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for rejecting the petition for the recall of senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial District of Kogi State,Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, 

This follows Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan scolding of INEC for not completely rejecting the petition for her recall from the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly. 

In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of CNPP, James Ezema, and the National Secretary of CNCSOs, Ali Abacha, the coalition described INEC’s action as a demonstration of its transformation into a “repented electoral body” committed to fairness, transparency, and the rule of law. 

The statement read in part, “INEC’s decision to throw out the procedurally defective petition for the recall of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a testament to its renewed commitment to upholding democratic principles and ensuring that the electoral process remains credible and inclusive.’’ 

INEC on Tuesday faulted the recall process of Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan, pointing out that the petitioners failed to provide their contact details, information such as their addresses, phone numbers and email addresses, as required under the Commission’s Regulations and Guidelines for Recall 2024.

In a statement signed by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, the electoral body acknowledged receiving the petition which included six bags of documents that contained signatures from more than half of the 474,554 registered voters in the senatorial district. 

The embattled lawmaker, in a letter by her legal counsel, Victor Giwa, knocked INEC for offering guidance to the petitioners instead of declaring the petition incompetent following the flaws identified by the electoral body. 

The coalition however saluted the role of INEC as both a regulator of the electoral process and an impartial umpire, urging the commission to sustain the trajectory. 

It also highlighted the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights to participate in the democratic process. 

“For Nigerian democracy to survive and thrive beyond the 2027 general elections, INEC must continue to discharge its duties without fear or favour, ensuring that all actions are guided by the Constitution, the Electoral Act, and its own regulations.

“The CNPP and CNCSOs will leave no stone unturned in protecting the rights of Nigerians to popular participation and inclusion in the electoral process. We remain resolute in our commitment to ensuring that every citizen’s voice is heard and respected,” it added in the statement. 

Soliciting support for INEC in its efforts to strengthen the country’s democratic system, the group warned against attempts to undermine the commission’s independence, adding that such actions could jeopardize the nation’s democratic gains. 

The statement noted that the group was ready to collaborate with INEC and other stakeholders to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the electoral process.